The Maine Department of Transportation has halted plowing operations in the Midcoast, Down East and Bangor areas due to extremely low visibility.

The department said plows have been temporarily pulled off the roads "due to near zero visibility and blowing and drifting of snow."

Maine DOT asked motorists to stay off the roads unless there was an emergency.

Projected snowfall totals released by the National Weather Service in Caribou on Monday estimated that Bangor would see 24 inches of snow, while up to 21 inches would fall on Machias.

Maine State Police also advised tractor-trailer drivers to stay off Interstate 95 after a spate of accidents.

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